The Almondine Green Bean Recipe is a delectable side dish that can be easily prepared at home. This dish boasts the crispiness of green beans and the nutty flavor of toasted almonds, all brought together with a touch of lemon juice. The extraordinary blend of textures and tastes found in this recipe is sure to elevate your dinner table.
This recipe requires some ingredients that might not be readily available in your pantry, such as green beans and almonds. While shopping, look for fresh and vibrant green beans as they form the base for this dish. Also, ensure to pick up a pack of raw almonds, not the salted or flavored kind, as we'll be toasting them ourselves for a fresh and robust flavor.
Main Ingredients for Almondine Green Bean Dish
Green beans: These are the star of our dish. Fresh, crisp green beans are the best.
Butter: Used to saute the almonds and green beans.
Almonds: They add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
Lemon juice: Adds a bit of acidity to balance the flavors.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and depth of flavor to this dish.
Water: Used for blanching the green beans.
Ice: Helps to stop the cooking process of the green beans and maintain their vibrant color.
One reader, Gilburt Weathers says:
This almondine green bean recipe is a game-changer! The buttery almonds add a delightful crunch, and the hint of lemon juice gives it a refreshing zing. It's a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required
How to blanch green beans: Blanching is a cooking process in which food, in this case, green beans, is briefly immersed in boiling water, then immediately transferred to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps to preserve the vibrant green color and crisp texture of the green beans.
How to brown almonds: To brown almonds, heat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until they turn golden brown and become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.
How to toss green beans with butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper: After drying the blanched green beans, add them back to the skillet and toss them with the remaining butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This step helps to coat the green beans with the flavorful mixture and warm them through before serving.
These techniques are essential for achieving the perfect almondine green bean recipe.
This green beans almondine proves that green beans and almonds, when combined, create a delicious side dish everyone will love. There’s a plethora of ways to prepare green beans. There are green beans with bacon, green bean casserole, and that one recipe with honey garlic butter. BUT — nobody told me that green beans with slivered almonds taste SOOO good?! It may be an unusual combination to some, but at the first bite, I fell hook, line, and sinker! It would be a shame to not share the recipe with you, so here it is!
Green bean almondine (or amandine) is a classic French green bean side dish made of blanched green beans and toasted almonds. An upgraded version of the usual sauteed green beans, you could say. For my easy recipe, I used fresh green beans. Although, this green beans recipe would also taste just as great with frozen beans. There’s even no need to blanch the frozen green beans, which is super helpful in cutting down the cooking time! Just steam or quick-thaw them, then proceed with adding them into the pan.
To make green beans almondine, I blanched the beans then toasted the almonds in butter. Then, I sauteed them together for that crisp texture and fresh, buttery, and nutty taste. To add a citrusy note in the background, I incorporated lemon juice. If you want garlicky green beans with almonds, cook them with LOTS of garlic.
Truth be told, green beans almondine is FOREVER included in my Thanksgiving menu. My family all agree that it’s by far the BEST GREEN BEAN RECIPE I’ve ever made! Try this green beans almondine recipe if you’re running out of green bean recipe ideas to serve for the holidays. It’s the perfect side dish for steak, casseroles, and pasta. But I’m telling you, this simple and elegant side dish might just steal the limelight away from those mouthwatering centerpieces.
How To Make Green Bean Almondine
Whip up a buttery side dish using crunchy green beans! It’s the perfect side that has an added flavor and crunch of almonds.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2 lb green beans, fresh, with edges trimmed
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- ¼ cup almonds, sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper, coarsely ground
- water
- ice
Instructions
- Boil the green beans in a pot of water for 2 minutes.
- Dump them into an ice bath and let them cool.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter on medium heat.
- Then, add the sliced almonds, stirring them constantly while watching for them to just start turning brown. Remove from the skillet.
- Dry the green beans well, then add them back to the skillet to heat them up.
- Toss the remaining butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Top with the browned almonds, then serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- To cut down the prep time, you can blanch the green beans up to a day in advance.
- For added flavor, saute the green beans with shallots before combining with toasted almonds.
- Top this green bean side dish with fresh herbs, green onions, or chives.
Nutrition
- Calories: 950.56kcal
- Fat: 79.51g
- Saturated Fat: 10.42g
- Trans Fat: 0.33g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 47.14g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 18.12g
- Carbohydrates: 43.39g
- Fiber: 22.70g
- Sugar: 11.24g
- Protein: 33.40g
- Cholesterol: 20.35mg
- Sodium: 718.82mg
- Calcium: 456.32mg
- Potassium: 1410.79mg
- Iron: 7.15mg
- Vitamin A: 118.45µg
- Vitamin C: 19.43mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Almondine Green Beans
When browning the almonds, it's crucial to keep a close eye on them. Almonds can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stir them constantly and as soon as they start to turn golden brown, remove them from the heat. This will ensure your almonds have a delicious, nutty flavor without any bitterness.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and blanch the green beans the day before and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Multi-task: While the green beans are cooling in the ice bath, use that time to brown the almonds in the skillet. This way, you can efficiently use your time in the kitchen.
Organize ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are measured and ready to go. This will prevent any last-minute scrambling for items while cooking.
Use a food processor: If you have a large batch of green beans to blanch, consider using a food processor to speed up the chopping process. This can save you time and effort.
Substitute Ingredients For Green Bean Almondine Recipe
green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus has a similar texture and can be prepared in the same way as green beans in almondine recipes.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter in almondine recipes, providing a different flavor profile.
almonds - Substitute with hazelnuts: Hazelnuts can provide a similar nutty flavor and crunch to almondine dishes.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can add a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice in almondine recipes.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of saltiness.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a milder alternative to black pepper in almondine recipes.
Best Way to Present Almondine Green Beans
Elevate the green beans: Arrange the green beans in a neat and organized manner on the plate, ensuring they are the focal point of the dish.
Garnish with toasted almonds: Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the green beans in an artful and visually appealing manner, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Incorporate a touch of color: Consider adding a vibrant element to the plate, such as a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or a delicate edible flower, to enhance the visual appeal.
Emphasize plate presentation: Pay attention to the overall composition of the dish, ensuring that the plate is clean and any excess sauce or crumbs are meticulously wiped away.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Select sophisticated and refined serving ware that complements the dish, such as a sleek and modern plate or a classic, timeless platter.
Focus on precision and symmetry: Arrange the components of the dish with precision, ensuring that each element is placed thoughtfully and symmetrically on the plate.
Consider the visual balance: Strive for a harmonious balance of colors, textures, and shapes on the plate, creating a visually stunning presentation that captivates the senses.
Essential Tools for Making Almondine Green Bean Recipe
Cutting board: A flat surface for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife for various cutting tasks.
Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for sautéing, frying, and searing.
Pot: A deep, round container with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking food.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with holes for draining liquids from food.
Ice bath: A large bowl filled with ice and water used to rapidly cool down hot foods.
How To Store and Freeze Almondine Green Bean Recipe
- Let the green beans cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 4 days.
- If you want to freeze the almondine green beans, blanch them first by boiling them for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunging them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Spread the blanched green beans in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the green beans to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- To reheat, simply thaw the green beans in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quick and easy side dish.
- For best results, wait to add the toasted almonds until just before serving to maintain their crunchy texture.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Here are the best methods for reheating leftover almondine green bean recipe:
Microwave method: Place the leftover green beans in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the beans halfway through to ensure even heating. Once heated, sprinkle the reserved toasted almonds on top for added crunch.
Stovetop method: Heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover green beans and toss them in the pan until they are heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle the reserved toasted almonds on top before serving.
Oven method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover green beans in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil and sprinkle the reserved toasted almonds on top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the almonds and crisp them up slightly.
Steamer method: Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the leftover green beans in a steamer basket and set it over the boiling water. Cover the pot and steam the beans for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Transfer the beans to a serving dish and sprinkle the reserved toasted almonds on top.
Random Fact about Almondine Green Beans
The almondine green bean recipe is a delicious and nutritious side dish that can complement a variety of main courses. It combines the crispness of green beans with the rich flavor of almonds, creating a delightful texture and taste. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with essential nutrients. The combination of butter, lemon juice, and seasonings enhances the natural flavors of the green beans and almonds, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Whether served at a family dinner or a special gathering, the almondine green bean recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and delicious taste.
Is Making Almondine Green Beans at Home Cost-Effective?
This almondine green bean recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as green beans and almonds, are generally affordable and easily accessible. The addition of butter and lemon juice may slightly increase the cost, but the overall expense is reasonable. The dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a worthy addition to any meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, taste, and affordability. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it a budget-friendly option.
Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The almondine green bean recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a good balance of nutrients. Green beans are low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The addition of almonds provides healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. However, the recipe also includes a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat and calories.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil or avocado oil
- Increase the proportion of green beans to almonds to lower the overall calorie and fat content
- Add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or red bell peppers to boost the nutrient profile and add color to the dish
- Use fresh lemon zest instead of just lemon juice to enhance the flavor without adding extra liquid
- Experiment with different herbs and spices like garlic, thyme, or red pepper flakes to add depth and complexity to the dish without relying on salt
By incorporating these changes, you can create a more nutrient-dense and flavorful version of the almondine green bean recipe that still satisfies your taste buds while promoting better health.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Green Bean Dish
This almondine green bean recipe is a classic and elegant side dish. The blanching and ice bath method ensures the green beans are perfectly cooked and vibrant in color. The combination of buttery almonds, zesty lemon juice, and seasoning adds depth and flavor to the dish. The technique of browning the almonds in butter adds a rich nuttiness, elevating the overall taste. It's a simple yet sophisticated recipe that would complement any main course.
Why trust this Green Bean Almondine Recipe:
This almondine green bean recipe is a classic French dish that showcases the natural flavors of fresh green beans. The blanching process ensures the beans retain their vibrant color and crisp texture. The addition of toasted almonds brings a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, elevating the dish to a new level. The use of butter and lemon juice adds richness and brightness, enhancing the overall taste. With a perfect balance of salt and pepper, this recipe promises a harmonious blend of flavors. Trust this recipe to deliver a delightful and satisfying green bean dish that will impress your guests.
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